About Us
Our History
Founded in 1981, Packer & Associates was formed by Richard (Dick)
Packer as a way to overcome hurdles to his own agricultural aviation insurance challenges. Appreciating the challenges he had faced, Richard became an advocate for others in the agricultural aviation industry. Richard served time as a US Marine, gaining his A&P certification before going on to become an experienced Ag Pilot, CFII, IA, and airport owner. Richard brought a unique understanding to the aviation insurance industry. Following numerous years of hard work and dedication, he was awarded the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award and the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award by the FAA in 2020. In 2022, Richard was diagnosed with cancer. In August of 2024, Richard passed, leaving Packer & Associates without its leader. Since then, James and Christina Andres have purchased the agency, providing new leadership with the same quality and attention to detail that customers expect from Packer & Associates.
Who We are
James and Christina met in 1990, but little did they know how much aviation would be part of their lives. James’ father, who had earned his license on the G.I. Bill, introduced his son at an early age to the world of aviation. James grew up to solo his father’s Cessna 172 before he had his driver’s license. His flying journey was put on hold for higher education, but that didn’t stop the passion from growing. Marrying Christina in 1993, the pair became part of IAC 34, judging aerobatics and gaining connections in the flying community. During their time in IAC 34, James and Christina met Richard and Sue Packer. The Andres’ were told that if you wanted an annual, anybody could do that, but Richard did annual inspections! The attention to detail matters. For many years, Richard performed regular maintenance and annual inspections for the Andres’ Cessna 172 and continued to do so as they upgraded to a Cessna Stationair (206). The 206 served them well through a growing family, nights in the North 40 at Oshkosh, and other adventures in between. When they added a PA-12 in 2018, Richard was there to offer his expertise and fly the plane home. The PA-12, has its fair share of adventures like Sentimental Journey and pancake breakfasts. For all the years, and three aircraft, Packer & Associates remains our agency of choice.
Christina Andres
President and Lead Agent
In 2009, Christina became part of the Packer & Associates family. She worked part-time proofing policies and providing customer service to numerous clients. Earning her Property & Casualty license in 2018, Christina began advancing her career as an Aviation Insurance Agent. Additionally, Richard’s knowledge and mentoring assisted her in working directly with clients to provide quotes. When Richard became ill, she stepped into a more prominent role, ensuring quality customer service and insurance for Packer & Associates growing clientele. Following Richard’s passing, James and Christina purchased Packer & Associates to continue Richard’s vision of quality insurance with an attention to detail that the clients have come to know and trust.